Pages

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Women of the Bible - Hagar

When I first decided to do a series on "Women of the Bible"....I had in mind the most prominent women that we think of. Hagar definitely didn't come to mind....but, as I did some research....I thought that she needs to be included. Besides....since all scripture is God-breathed....then, all the people in the Bible are prominent!!!

Do you remember who Hagar was? Sarah (Abraham's wife)....was her mistress. Hagar was her Egyptian slave. Abraham had been promised that he would be the "father of man nations"....but he was getting old and so was Sarah. So....like so many of us do today....well, especially me....Sarah took matters into her own hands (BIG MISTAKE)....instead of waiting on the Lord. Since she hadn't been able to bear a child....she gave her servant, Hagar, to Abraham so that he could father a child by her.

At this time, Abraham was 86 years old.

Now....let's stop for a minute and think about this.

First of all....by doing this, Sarah showed a lack of faith in God....but so did Abraham. Secondly....put yourself in Hagar's position. She was a slave....and had she not obeyed her mistress....then she would have been punished. And...thirdly....what in the world was Sarah thinking?!?!? What woman in her right mind would allow her husband to sleep with another woman to bear them a child?!?!?

Her desperation had certainly caused her to have a lapse in judgment!!!

When Hagar became pregnant, she began to mock and ridicule Sarah and Sarah in turn began to hate her servant.

(Sarah had brought this on herself, though!!)

Hagar gave birth to Ishmael and Abraham accepted him as his son....but not Sarah. She sent Hagar and her son away. Hagar and Ishmael wandered in the wilderness until their water was gone and she laid her son under a bush to die. God heard the boy crying....so the angel of the Lord appeared and showed Hagar a well....such a beautiful picture of God's concern for the helpless!!

My conclusions.....

1) Don't try to "play God"....be patient and wait on His promises.

2) Expect problems when we take matters into our own hands and try to do things our way....instead of God's way.

3) Do NOTHING out of desperation.

I read/heard somewhere....that we should wait at least 3 days before making any major decisions....notice I said 3 DAYS....not 3 MINUTES!!!

:)

(okay...I'm talking about myself here!!!)

HOPE all of you are enjoying learning a bit more about the women in the Bible.